Mozart Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1 – Liv Glaser

Mozart´s secret treasures

The little minuet in F major was one of the very first pieces by Mozart which Liv Glaser attempted as a child. In this simple two-part composition there is a world of hidden treasures, treasures which are to be found in almost all of Mozart´s works. The composer presents great and almost paradoxical challenges on all levels. Carefully, he might set the door ajar and the room within is revealed but, on entering, one becomes aware of a door leading on to yet another room. In other circumstances he simply brings one back to the starting point after playing hide and seek for a little while.

Even if it was particularly opera, with drama through music, which perhaps inspired Mozart´s creativity most of all, with its unlimited possibilities extending beyond the bounds imposed by the nature of instrumental music, his first piano sonatas all have an element of operatic drama. From a bouquet of attractive ideas he introduces honey-laden dialogues and arias only to overwhelm us with dynamic “Sturm und Drang” energy! Audaciously, he contrasts as it were chamber-music sections with the full orchestra in an argument in which we can all but hear the words.

Liv Glaser, one of Norway´s most significant pianists, presents us with fantastic interpretations of a composer who has followed her since her childhood. She has since her debut in 1960 been a part of the Norwegian piano elite and has laid extensive world-touring behind her.